An unlicensed drug driver who veered wildly into oncoming traffic during a police chase across north Norfolk has avoided a jail sentence.

Robert Massingham, 21, drove on the wrong side of the road and forced other motorists to swerve during a seven mile pursuit.

Despite police using the stinger device to burst the tyres of his Vauxhall Astra he continued along the A148 which was busy with holiday traffic last August.

North Norfolk News: The chase began on Letheringsett Hill and continue around the outskirts of HoltThe chase began on Letheringsett Hill and continue around the outskirts of Holt (Image: Google)

READ MORE: Unlicensed driver leads police on seven mile chase near Holt

He was so determined not to be caught that even after police stopped him he attempted to flee on foot before officers managed to restrain him using pepper spray. 

Massingham, of Chapel Lane in Hempstead, near Holt, had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no licence and insurance.  

He appeared at Norwich Crown Court to be sentenced.

Judge Andrew Shaw had deferred sentencing last November in order to see if he could comply with a number of conditions, including working with probation and submitting himself to voluntary drug testing every fortnight.

Andrew Oliver, mitigating, said he had followed the requirements and had “significantly reduced his use of ketamine”.

North Norfolk News: Police used a stinger to try to stop Massingham but he continue to drive on wheel rimsPolice used a stinger to try to stop Massingham but he continue to drive on wheel rims (Image: PA)

The judge had earlier been told he had been "going through a bad time" with both drug use and depression at the time of the incident.

READ MORE: Police chase driver 'panicked' over drugs and knives, court told

He had “panicked” at police because had friends in the vehicle who had taken drugs as well as kitchen knives for his job as a chef.

Judge Shaw sentenced him to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered requirements including drug testing continue. 

Massingham was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and will have to take an extended test before getting back behind the wheel.

Two further charges of drug driving will be sentenced at Norwich Magistrates’ Court at a later date after it was ruled they had been incorrectly sent to the crown court.